Mediterranean Baked Pasta Delight
This Mediterranean Baked Pasta Delight is a comforting and hearty casserole that fuses traditional Greek flavors with classic pasta. Bursting with the deliciousness of olives, tangy feta cheese, and savory ground beef, this dish offers a delightful twist on standard baked pasta. The velvety ricotta brings creaminess while the marinara sauce ties all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this recipe generates a generous portion, allowing you to bake and freeze for a quick dinner on a busy night. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right in your kitchen!
8
Servings
445
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked al dente)
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
ricotta cheese
15 ounces (none)
crumbled feta cheese
4 ounces (none)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (none)
dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
diced tomatoes
2 (8 ounce) cans (drained)
marinara sauce
2 cups (none)
chopped kalamata olives
12 (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion flakes, 4 ounces of crumbled feta, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
In another bowl, mix the browned ground beef, drained diced tomatoes, chopped kalamata olives, and 1.5 cups of marinara sauce. Stir until combined, then add the cooked elbow macaroni and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
4
Generously grease your choice of casserole dishes (a large 9x13 inch dish, two 8x8 inch dishes, or a combination). Start layering by placing half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of the dish. Top this layer with half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese mixtures, creating a final layer of cheese on top.
5
Spread 1/2 cup (or more, if desired) of marinara sauce over the top layer of cheese.
6
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Baked Pasta Delight?
It is a comforting and hearty casserole that fuses traditional Greek flavors like olives and feta with classic pasta and ground beef.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe generates a generous portion of 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 445 calories.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni cooked al dente.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef, which should be browned before assembly.
What cheeses are included in the recipe?
The dish uses 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is an egg used in the cheese mixture?
Yes, one beaten egg is mixed with the cheeses and spices to help bind the layer.
What spices provide the Mediterranean flavor?
The recipe uses garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried onion flakes.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, use two 8-ounce cans of diced tomatoes and ensure they are drained.
How much marinara sauce is required?
A total of 2 cups of marinara sauce is used: 1.5 cups in the pasta mixture and at least 0.5 cups for the top layer.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe specifies 12 chopped kalamata olives.
What size baking dish should I use?
You can use a large 9x13 inch dish, or two 8x8 inch dishes, or a combination.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer by placing half of the pasta mixture on the bottom, followed by half of the cheese mixture, then repeat both layers.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake covered for 30-35 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as you can bake and freeze portions for a quick dinner later.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 22.5g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 27.5g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
Is there fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is a low sugar content of 1.5g per serving.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the initial 30-35 minutes of baking.
How can I tell when the casserole is finished baking?
The top should be golden brown and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should generously grease your choice of casserole dishes.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow it to cool for a few minutes to let the layers set before serving.
Can I add extra sauce to the top?
Yes, you can spread more than 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the top layer if desired.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, pasta casserole, comfort food, and family friendly.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family gatherings and is a hearty, comforting dish.